Cyberbullying is on the rise.
In a recent report by the eSafety Commissioner, instances of cyberbullying has increased by 40% – from 1,700 reports in 2022 compared to over 2,300 in 2023. Most of those affected by cyberbullying are children and young teenagers between the ages of 12 to 15.
Tick and Kate Everett founded organisation Dolly’s Dream after the tragic suicide of their daughter, 14-year-old Dolly.
Dolly’s Dream raises funds and awareness about bullying, cyberbullying, mental health, and suicide. Through Dolly’s Dream, the Everetts wish to change the culture around bullying, and prevent families from experiencing what they endured with the passing of their Dolly.
On the 10th of May, Dolly’s Dream held Do It For Dolly Day.
As a national day, Do It For Dolly Day encouraged the communities across the nation to come together to start conversations, raise money, and go blue, Dolly’s favourite colour, to end bullying, and spread a little kindness.
‘We don’t want other families to ever have to go through the headache we have experienced,’ says Kate Everett, Dolly’s mother.
Dolly’s Dream offers support through a free 24/7 helpline, which Australian families are able to contact in crisis. The organisation provides online safety workshops in schools, anti-bullying workshops, mental health training, and, in partnership with Telethon Kids Institute, a free Beacon cyber safety app as a resource for parents and carers.
‘Since starting Dolly’s Dream, having an app in our program offering to further support parents and carers in navigating the online world is something we have been incredibly passionate about,’ explains Kate Everett. ‘We are proud that Beacon provides easily accessible support and information to families, especially in our rural, regional, and remote communities.’
Donations raised will go towards bullying prevention and online safety programs nation-wide.
For more information about Dolly’s Dream, visit www.dollysdream.org.au
